Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, kangaroos, or a good old-fashioned sunset, we’re lucky to have plenty of enviable opportunities to scratch our adventurous itch just a road trip away. We’re talking twists, turns, scenic stops, rugged coastlines, red dust routes, cliffside vistas, and so much more. And best of all, no two journeys will be the same – you choose the pit stops, the soundtrack and the passengers. So, let’s fuel up, hit the road, and explore eight of the best asphalt (and 4WD) expeditions across Australia.
1. Red Centre Way (Adelaide to Alice Springs to Uluru), Northern Territory
First on our list is not a road trip. It’s a journey through the very soul of Australia – Red Centre Way. Begin your wanderings in Adelaide and weave your way through Alice Springs. Once there, take the Red Centre Way loop and explore the area's iconic landmarks – Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the sacred Kings Canyon. Along the route, you’ll witness mesmerising desert sunsets, the arid beauty of Australia’s rich red heart and, of course, soak up plenty of Aboriginal culture and history. We recommend planning your trip for optimal enjoyment for the cooler months of April to August.
2. Grand Pacific Drive (Sydney to Melbourne), New South Wales
The Melbourne to Sydney route is well-worn, and while most trippers opt for the more direct inland route, we highly recommend taking the scenic, coastal option. Cruising the Grand Pacific Drive, follow the sea breeze as you wind your way through vibrant seaside towns like Bateman’s Bay, snap Insta-worthy shots at the dramatic Kiama Blowhole, and soak up breathtaking cliffside vistas as you navigate the floating 665 metre-long Sea Cliff Bridge. Plenty of pristine white sandy beach pitstops will be had along the way – we recommend plotting the GPS for Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay for a stretch of the legs and ocean dip.
3. Nullarbor Plain (Perth to Adelaide), Western Australia
Ready for a real Aussie adventure? Trekking from Perth to Adelaide, take the Eyre Highway – the world’s longest straight road – and embark on a true outback road trip. The vast, endless plains of the highway cross three different time zones and stretch all the way from Port Augusta in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. The Nullarbor Plain is the section we recommend you explore. Here you’ll experience endless horizons, meet plenty of curious wildlife, whale watch from clifftop lookouts and play the longest round of golf you’ve ever imagined – at the world’s longest golf course, the 1,365km Nullabor Links. This epic outback escapade isn’t for the faint-hearted (or ill-prepared) due to its vast, barren nature.
4. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
Take Australia’s highest sealed road and be rewarded with a winding journey through the High Country’s mountainous glory. The Great Alpine Road traverses through must-stop spots like the historic gold-mining town of Beechworth and alpine beauties like Mount Hotham. If you’re visiting between April and August, plan to strap on some skis and hit the slopes, or over the warmer months, cast the line out for a fish at the Gippsland Lakes. Regardless of when you make the trip, you’ll be rewarded with views to die for, cosy pub-stops, sparkling waterways and the perfect blend of thrill and chill.
5. The Great Eastern Drive (Hobart to Bay of Fires), Tasmania
The entire loop of Tassie is quite a commitment, so we recommend dipping your toes in this paradise with the Hobart to Bay of Fires leg of the journey. Stops to mark on your route include the historic Port Arthur convict settlement and the coastal playground of Freycinet National Park. Be prepared to stop frequently to soak up the pristine sandy beaches with sparkling turquoise waters, and have the camera ready for this one, as you’ll be reaching for it every five minutes!
6. Gibb River Road, Broome, Western Australia
If you’re looking for something to get your heart racing, strap in for a wild ride along the Gibb River Road. Start your adventure in tropical Broome, hop in the 4WD (preferably) and be prepared for a dusty, rugged, outback rollercoaster along this former cattle transportation route. There are several exciting river crossings, gorges galore, towering bird-laden boab trees and more captivating Kimberley wilderness than you can shake a stick at. Gibb River Road promises to be no Sunday drive; instead, it’s an unforgettable, authentic outback road trip.
7. Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Queensland
Moving onto something a little more lush, navigate your way along the 140km stretch of Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns and Cape Tribulation for a serious dose of tropical heaven. Arguably the best road trip on the east coast of Australia, the road unfurls through dense jungle-like surroundings, wedged alongside the spectacular shores of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. Here, you’ll notch up some world-famous attractions, starting with the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree, which Sir David Attenborough famously referred to as “the most extraordinary place on Earth”. Follow it up with a stop at the world’s largest and most diverse reef ecosystem and the largest living thing on Earth – the Great Barrier Reef. Both are en route, making this road trip the perfect blend of adventure and laid-back vibes.
8. Brisbane to Byron, Queensland to New South Wales
Need a reminder that life’s a beach? The well-travelled route from B to B (or Brisbane to Byron) is beckoning! Plot a route that’s a little less direct than the non-stop 2-hour direct fly-through, and instead wind your way through coastal and inland roads to soak up the journey. Your first stop should be the glorious hinterland of Tamborine Mountain. Stretch your legs and get some fresh air with one of the many walks in the National Park, or get on a high with the Rainforest Skywalk perched 30 meters above the valley. Next up, set the GPS for the sublime coastline, check out GC favourite Burleigh Heads for a bite to eat, and then venture a little further to Pottsville and be rewarded with something a little less hectic and a little more postcard perfect. If rainforests and idyllic beaches haven’t filled your Zen cup, stop at Crystal Castle to soak up the good vibes.
Buckle up; let’s get road-tripping
Australia is home to incredible scenery and endless places to explore. For the extra adventurous (with plenty of time to spare), you could always attempt the 6-12 month Big Lap of Australia. And if you stumble upon a destination you don’t want to leave, call in to the local First National Real Estate office – they can advise you on holiday homes in the area, investment properties or even a permanent residence to rest your well-travelled head. If none of these destinations sing to you, we’ve got even more inspiration for hitting the road or exploring local getaways – so get packing and get out there!
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.